Yesterday’s Los Angeles Black Book Expo

Yesterday’s LABBX was fantastic. I made a couple of connections. I met author L.A. Banks, author of The Vampire Huntress Legends series.

Most notable was meeting E.P. McKnight, actress & author of Words ‘n’ Action- Inspiration for the Human Spirit for valley moments in life. Her book was so powerful. I was low on funds, so I had no intention on buying it. I’d just planned to browse. So, I picked it up, just to browse through it. I opened right to her poem entitled, The Examination. I read the first two lines and started tearing up.

“What is going on here?” I thought to myself. This is so unlike me. I don’t like crying in public. So, I laid the book down and wiped my tears away.

“Let’s try this again,” I said. So, I opened the book and started tearing up again.

“Are you serious,” asked the author.

Yes, I am. This poem is beautiful. I can’t believe it touched me so deeply. This is not like me to cry in public. I’m so embarrassed.

“It’s okay,” she said. Let me give you a hug. So, she came around to give me  hug. By this time, I’m tearing up so bad that I’m very nearly crying. I asked her how much the book was, I paid her and left.

She gave me her contact information and asked me if there was anything she could do for me. Even though it was a little embarrassing, it was a great experience. I am so happy to have met her and bought her book.

Just Like Sisters by Angela McAllister

Just Like Sisters (2005), written by Angela McAllister andillustrated by Sophie Fatus, is a nice little read aloud. I first came across this book when I had to review a series of books for my Children’s Literature class. For the assignment, I had to review 25 books, write a review on them, and make a page on them. My professor loved it so much, she gave me a 350/300. She said that it was the best picture book she’d ever seen. For this one, I photocopied the cover in color, cut it out, and embellished it. I cut little pieces of yellow yarn for the little girl’s hair, made a bow for the alligator’s hair, and cut teeth for her. It was too cute.

When I reviewed this book two years ago, I did not purchase it. Now, I’m happy to say that this book is part of my collection. I recently purchased this book from Food 4 Less for $5. Boy was I happy when I saw the price.

I chose this book because I liked the outside. It was so interesting it made me want to read the inside. From the cover I kinda’ guessed what the inside was about. I was right. This is a story about friendship, being different, and acceptance. I would recommend this book for children as young as 4-40. So, on to the review.

This way a cute, little story with charming illustrations about a little girl, Nancy, & her penpal, Ally, an alligator. Nancy & Ally are penpals. They have been writing to each other for a long time. They know each other so well.They read and re-read each other’s letters so much. Finally, Ally writes to Nancy to tell her that her plane arrives on Saturday morning. Nancy couldn’t be more excited.

Just like clockwork, Ally’s plane is right on time. They hug. Ally tells Nancy she’s exactly as she imagined.

“So are you,” said Nancy.

The got out and paint the town red. They have a fantastic time. They get to Nancy’s home and go right to Nancy’s room where they continue talking and sharing photos. Later, they try on her mom’s lipstick, watch videos, and finish two cartons of ice cream.

The next day they go shopping and buy exactly the same thing. They wonder if people will mistake them for twins. Finally, it’s time to go home. What do you think happens when it’s time for Ally to leave?

Well, I guess you’re going to have to read it and find out for yourself. It’s a cute little story. Check it out!